Georgia to empower police with new rights to inspect foreigners’ homes, workplaces

Georgian authorities are set to gain expanded powers to inspect the residences and workplaces of foreigners under forthcoming amendments to the country’s immigration legislation.

The proposed changes to the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons aim to tighten controls on foreign nationals residing and working in Georgia, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

Under the new provisions, police officers will be authorized to conduct checks at the places of residence or employment of foreigners to identify individuals staying or working in the country illegally.

Law enforcement officials will be permitted to enter private properties either with the consent of the property owner or employer, or by obtaining a court order. During such inspections, police may interview individuals, request the presentation of identification and work-related documents, carry out cursory searches, and implement other preventive measures to ensure compliance with immigration laws.

Furthermore, authorities will have the right to demand documents verifying a foreigner’s work permit status. In urgent cases where there is a risk that a foreign national might abscond or destroy their documents, the Ministry of Internal Affairs may seek an expedited court warrant to authorize immediate entry and inspection.

The amendments are expected to be implemented following the necessary parliamentary approval.

By Vafa Guliyeva